What's Left Behind

Solo exhibition, Ethnic Heritage Arts Gallery, Seattle, WA     |     January - April 2016

Statement:

In this body of work, I am exploring my history with, and the greater context of, sexual violence against women, especially as it pertains to women of color. By combining destructive processes with delicate techniques, as well as industrial materials with feminine materials, I hope to reference the dualities that women of color who are also victims of sexual violence have to navigate: both as defenders of their communities against racial stereotypes, as well as advocates on behalf of themselves as victims.

Often, this burden, and the confusion and shame that come with it, can inflict just as much harm as the initial act of sexual violence itself.  A woman’s struggle with sexual violence is not over once the physical act is over; conversely, it is just the beginning of a lifelong attempt to heal and cope with very serious trauma that is compounded by society’s tendency to blame and discredit victims of sexual abuse. By coming to terms with the vast maze of my own trauma in the making of this work, I hope to encourage a deeper conversation of the long lasting effects of sexual violence by taking a closer look at what’s left behind.